Jack Daniel’s and orange juice is a popular cocktail combination known by several names, the most common being a Jack and Coke or a Lynchburg Lemonade. Jack Daniel’s is a brand of Tennessee whiskey, and mixing it with orange juice helps balance out the flavor profile. The drink originated sometime in the mid-20th century and has grown into an iconic cocktail over the years. Keep reading to learn more about the history of Jack Daniel’s and orange juice, other common names for the drink, how it’s made, and why it became so popular.
What is Jack Daniels?
Jack Daniel’s is a brand of Tennessee whiskey that is among the best-selling whiskeys in the world. It is produced in Lynchburg, Tennessee by the Jack Daniel Distillery, which has been in operation since 1866. Here are some key facts about Jack Daniel’s whiskey:
- It is made from a blend of corn, rye, and barley malt.
- The mash is distilled and filtered through 10-feet of sugar maple charcoal, giving it a smooth, mellow flavor.
- Jack Daniel’s is sold in seven different varieties, but the standard No. 7 black label is by far the most popular.
- As a Tennessee whiskey, it is required by law to be filtered through charcoal and allowed to mature in unused oak barrels.
- Jack Daniel’s is 40% alcohol by volume (80 U.S. proof).
- The black label Jack Daniel’s is aged for 4-5 years before bottling.
- It has a sweet, smooth taste with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
Jack Daniel’s is one of the most recognizable whiskey brands in the world, known for its iconic black label and square bottle shape. It has cultivated an image of rugged masculinity and independence that has contributed greatly to its popularity. Many drinkers are fiercely loyal to Jack Daniel’s as their whiskey of choice.
What is orange juice?
Orange juice is a liquid extract of oranges that is typically made by squeezing or mechanically reaming oranges to extract the juicy pulp and liquid contents. Here are some key facts about orange juice:
- It is an excellent source of vitamin C, providing over 100% of the recommended daily intake in one cup.
- Orange juice contains antioxidants like hesperidin and polyphenols that can help support overall health.
- The main natural sugar in orange juice is fructose.
- It has a tart, sweet, citrusy flavor and naturally bright orange color.
- Pasteurization and fortification are commonly used to help extend the shelf life and improve the nutritional profile of commercial orange juice.
- Major varieties used for orange juice include Valencia, Navel, and Hamlin oranges.
- Chilled, freshly squeezed orange juice is often preferred, but frozen, canned, and carton varieties are also popular.
Orange juice is associated with breakfast and mornings but enjoyed at all times of day. It provides a sweet, refreshing flavor and nutritional content.
History of Mixing Jack Daniel’s and Orange Juice
While it’s unclear exactly when someone first thought to mix Jack Daniel’s and orange juice, the combination saw a surge in popularity starting in the mid-20th century.
Some possible origins include:
- Patrons ordering Jack Daniel’s in Prohibition-era speakeasies masking the smell and taste with orange juice.
- Soldiers returning from World War II bringing back a taste for whiskey drinks mixed with juice.
- Travellers to the southern U.S. being introduced to whiskey and southern hospitality with orange juice.
- The rise in popularity of screwdrivers (vodka and orange juice) leading drinkers to experiment with substituting whiskey.
- As a variation on Jack Daniel’s and Coke, using orange juice for additional flavor.
Whatever the exact origin, the jack and orange juice combination became more widespread through the 1950s and 60s, especially in the southern U.S. where Jack Daniel’s was based. It joined the lineup of classic whiskey highballs like the whiskey sour and mint julep. The drink gained more fame under names like the Lynchburg Lemonade and eventually became a staple cocktail.
Common Names for a Jack Daniel’s and Orange Juice Drink
While often simply referred to as a Jack and orange juice or described as the specific ingredients, several creative names have emerged for the cocktail combination over the years:
- Lynchburg Lemonade – a reference to Lynchburg, Tennessee, the home of Jack Daniel’s.
- Jack Daniel’s Sour – positioning it as a whiskey sour variation.
- Tennessee Tea – continuing the southern beverage theme.
- JD Sunrise – in reference to the orange color.
- Breakfast Jack – linking it to morning drinking.
- Tennessee Tang – playing on the orange juice’s tangy flavor.
- Dirty Jack – suggesting the “dirtying” of the whiskey with orange juice.
- Jack Frost – likely referencing the drink’s chill and smooth flavor.
The most common names are Lynchburg Lemonade and some variation of a Jack and orange juice reference. But bartenders and drink menus have gotten creative with special names for this classic cocktail combination.
How to Make a Jack Daniel’s and Orange Juice Drink
While ratios can vary, a typical Jack Daniel’s and orange juice drink is easy to make:
- Fill a highball or hurricane glass mostly with ice.
- Pour 1.5 oz Jack Daniel’s whiskey over the ice.
- Top with orange juice, typically 4-6 oz.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
The drink can also be made in larger batches by combining 2 parts Jack Daniel’s, 4 parts orange juice, and 1 part simple syrup or other sweetener if desired. Shake or stir with ice and serve over fresh ice.
Some additional serving tips for Jack and orange juice drinks:
- Use fresh squeezed orange juice for best flavor.
- Try different orange juice styles like blood orange or orange-tangerine.
- For a less sweet drink, use 50/50 orange juice and water.
- Garnish with orange slices or maraschino cherries.
- Rim the glass with sugar for a sweeter, frosty effect.
- Add a dash of bitters or grenadine for more complexity.
The basic 2:1 orange juice to Jack Daniel’s ratio serves as an easy template for making this cocktail to your taste preferences.
Why Jack Daniel’s and Orange Juice Became Popular
There are several key reasons why mixing Jack Daniel’s whiskey with orange juice became such a hit:
- Complementary flavors – The sweet citrus of orange juice balances out the oak, vanilla, and caramel notes in Jack Daniel’s for a pleasant, smooth taste.
- Orange juice masks whiskey – For some drinkers, the orange juice helped tone down the intense whiskey flavors and makes it more palatable as a cocktail.
- Refreshing and easy to drink – The cocktail is fresh, fizzy, and very drinkable especially in warm weather.
- Whiskey highball – It fits into the category of whiskey mixed with soda, juice, or other ingredients as an enjoyable highball.
- Southern roots – The combination of a Tennessee whiskey and orange juice has a natural Southern appeal.
- Familiar ingredients – Jack Daniel’s and orange juice are easy to find and recognized flavors.
- Brand appeal – Jack Daniel’s as an iconic brand helps drive interest and loyalty to the cocktail.
While Jack Daniel’s has long been drank neat, on the rocks, or with cola, orange juice added a fruity dimension that struck a chord and still endures as a favorite way to enjoy whiskey. The Jack Daniel’s and orange juice drink continues to satisfy those looking for a smooth, refreshing cocktail.
Nutritional Facts of Jack Daniel’s and Orange Juice
Here are the nutritional facts for a typical Lynchburg Lemonade made with 1.5 oz Jack Daniel’s and 5 oz fresh orange juice:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 183 |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Sugar | 20 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Vitamin C | 70 mg |
| Thiamin | 8% DV |
| Niacin | 2% DV |
| Calcium | 2% DV |
| Iron | 2% DV |
Key points:
- Relatively high in natural sugars from the orange juice.
- Provides vitamin C, thiamin, niacin, calcium, and iron.
- No fat and minimal protein.
- About 183 calories per serving.
So while not the healthiest choice, a Jack Daniel’s and orange juice drink offers some key vitamins and important hydration. Drinking in moderation is key.
Low Calorie Variations
For a lower calorie Jack and OJ cocktail, consider these tweaks:
- Use diet, light, or zero-calorie orange soda instead of juice. A diet orange soda has around 1 calorie per serving compared to 112 calories in 5 oz of orange juice.
- Add extra ice to fill up more of the cup.
- Use a sugar-free orange juice alternative or dilute regular orange juice with water.
- Opt for a “skinny” version with 2 oz whiskey, 4 oz diet soda, and orange slice garnish.
- Skip the simple syrup in larger pitchers of Lynchburg Lemonade.
- Shake with egg white or use diet lemon-lime soda for a lower-cal foam top.
- Sub in another low-cal mixer like diet ginger ale or sugar-free energy drink.
Getting creative with reduced-calorie or sugar-free substitutes can allow you to enjoy the Jack Daniel’s and orange flavor you love in a less caloric cocktail. Just be mindful that lower calorie does not mean lower alcohol content if you adjust the proportions.
Fun Facts
A few interesting facts about Jack Daniel’s and orange juice drinks:
- The classic black and white “Jack Daniel’s Sour” label design dates back to the mid-1950s.
- Presley was rumored to enjoy Lynchburg Lemonade while shooting 1969’s “Change of Habit” in Jack Daniel’s hometown.
- There is an officially trademarked recipe for Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Tea Lemonade involving lemon juice, sugar syrup, and cola as well.
- A version with ginger beer instead of orange juice is sometimes called a Lynchburg Mule.
- The drinks have appeared in movies like 2014’s “The Fault in Our Stars.”
- Jack Daniel’s parent company Brown-Foreman introduced an official Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey punch in 2020 made with orange juice.
- Popular variations include adding cranberry juice, muddling orange slices into the drink, and freezing Lynchburg Lemonade into popsicles.
From iconic label designs to big screen features, Jack Daniel’s and orange juice has permeated pop culture as well as bar menus. Creative riffs on the classic recipe keep it relevant.
Similar Drink Recipes
If you enjoy whiskey and orange juice, try these other cocktails:
Whiskey Buck
- 2 oz rye or bourbon whiskey
- 3 oz ginger beer
- 1.5 oz orange juice
- Orange slice garnish
Build over ice in a tall glass. Top with ginger beer and garnish.
New York Sour
- 2 oz bourbon
- .75 oz orange juice
- .75 oz simple syrup
- 1 oz red wine
- Orange twist
Shake whiskey, juice, and syrup with ice. Strain into glass, float red wine, and garnish.
Tennessee Teacup
- 1.5 oz Jack Daniel’s
- 4 oz iced tea
- 1 oz orange juice
- Lemon wedge
Build tea, Jack Daniel’s, and juice over ice in a tall glass. Garnish with lemon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What juice is in a Lynchburg Lemonade?
Despite the name, a Lynchburg Lemonade contains no lemon juice. The original recipe is simply Jack Daniel’s whiskey and orange juice. Some modern variations add lemon-lime soda.
What’s in a JD Sunrise?
A JD Sunrise cocktail contains Jack Daniel’s, orange juice, and grenadine syrup for color. The grenadine helps the drink mimic the visual of a sunrise.
Is Lynchburg Lemonade just whiskey and lemonade?
No, traditional Lynchburg Lemonade is made with Jack Daniel’s whiskey and orange juice. Some recipes add lemon-lime soda for extra fizz. But straight lemonade is not used.
Can you make a Lynchburg Lemonade without alcohol?
Yes, you can make non-alcoholic Lynchburg Lemonade by omitting the Jack Daniel’s. Simply mix orange juice, lemon-lime soda, and sugar syrup. You can also substitute whiskey with iced tea or lemonade.
Is Lynchburg Lemonade Just Jack and Coke with OJ?
Not quite. While Jack and Coke is just whiskey with cola, Lynchburg Lemonade combines whiskey with orange juice as the key ingredients. But the drinks are similar in concept as whiskey highballs.
Conclusion
While its popularity was cemented in the latter half of the 20th century, mixing Jack Daniel’s whiskey with orange juice to create cocktails like the Lynchburg Lemonade has become a classic bar recipe. The complementing flavors of citrus and oak make it smooth and refreshing. While best known as Jack Daniel’s and orange juice or some riff on the Lynchburg name, the drink can also be called a Jack Sour, Tennessee Tea, and other creative titles. Varying the proportions and adding mix-ins allows drinkers to customize the cocktail to their tastes. Sipped cold on a sunny day or served in a punch bowl at a party, the combination of Jack Daniel’s and orange juice is sure to please crowds for generations to come.